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Capture Higher-Quality Audio for Longer Durations at Great Prices with New Olympus VN-Series Digital Voice Recorders

Four Models Feature Largest LCD Displays of Any Voice Recorder on the Market;
New "XHQ Mode" Delivers Incredible High Fidelity

Center Valley, Pa, August 23, 2006 - Olympus, the leading manufacturer of digital voice recorders in the United States, today introduces four new models to its reliable and easy-to-use VN-series. Each features an elegant compact, ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand and discretely in a pocket, and delivers enhanced sound quality over amazingly long recording times ranging from 36 to 72 hours. The new VN-2100, VN-3100, VN-2100PC and VN-3100PC have the largest LCD displays on the market with controls that are easy to navigate. Featuring a new "Extra High Quality" (XHQ) recording mode, they are the ideal choice for anyone looking to capture superior audio.

"Olympus voice recorders are know worldwide for great sound quality and durable, ergonomic body design," said Andy Flagg, director, Sales and Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "We've really pushed the limits of design and performance with these latest models that are both stylish and highly functional to deliver a seamless digital recording experience."

Designed to Do More
Want to make sure that every word is crystal clear on your voice recording? For the first time, the new VN-series recorders feature an "Extra High Quality" (XHQ) recording mode. Designed with four recording modes that enable recording times of various lengths, users can capture superior sound through the XHQ mode or use the standard HQ mode, LP and SP modes for extended recording. For example, both the VN-2100 and VN 2100PC with 64MB of memory can record up to 36 hours in LP mode, while both the VN-3100 and VN-3100PC with 128MB of memory record up to 72 hours in LP mode.

The new VN-Series models feature similar functionality, but the VN-2100PC and VN-3100PC incorporate "PC Link" so users can connect them to a Windows PC via the included USB cable for quick downloading of audio files to a computer. This is an ideal solution for professionals who wish to archive, email or edit recordings.

Designed for Excitement
Users of the new VN-series digital recorders will appreciate the control provided by the different playback settings. After capture, the slow playback option allows recordings to be listened to efficiently with playback that is 20 percent slower than real time, and fast playback is 30 percent faster than real time. With slow playback users will be less likely to rewind to hear what was said, and with fast playback they can skip ahead to the essential sections - a real benefit for transcribing dictation.

A Timer Recording mode is available for instances when recordings need to begin at specific times. It works by setting a beginning time to start recording and an end time to stop recording. This feature is valuable for those who do not want to call attention to the fact that they're making a recording by pushing the VN-series' record button, or when timing is essential to capture the recording.

Delivering Style
Whether in the hand or tucked away in a shirt or a jacket pocket, the contoured, compact design of the VN-series voice recorders and their light weight makes them ideal travel companions. The sleek VN-2100 and VN-3100 recorders are coated in a shiny durable silver polycarbonate exterior. The VN-2100PC has a sleek black polycarbonate exterior while the VN-3100PC possess the same exterior in a stylish midnight blue. All four recorders come standard with large, easy-to-read LCD screens that reveal file information, recording time and events. A speaker for audio playback is located on the back of each recorder.

Intelligent Design
Each model is equipped with an ergonomic jog-dial thumb pad allowing the user to play, stop, fast-forward and rewind with the touch of one button. The record and erase buttons are positioned individually for easy access and to eliminate confusion when handling.

The VN-series also feature voice activation that will extend recording time by recording only when the microphone senses sound. When listening back to long recordings with gaps in a conversation, this Voice Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) function is a significant time-saver, reducing the need to fast-forward past pauses in conversations.

Designed for You
The VN-series digital voice recorders deliver an easy-to-use interface that allows users to accurately organize digital voice recordings. The new VN-series recorders have three separate file folders that provide users with unparalleled organization plus a convenient schedule folder for meetings, dates, reminders etc. Each folder holds 100 messages.

The VN-series digital voice recorders have up to 25 hours of continuous operation made possible by the long battery life of two AAA batteries. The VN-series digital voice recorders also feature an unparalleled one-year warranty.

Availability
The VN-2100, VN-3100, VN-2100PC and VN-3100PC will be available in September.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples' lives every day. These include:

Digital and film cameras

Professional SLR Imaging Systems

Digital and Microcassette recorders

Personal Photo Printers

Digital Media

Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.